Tanzania & Zanzibar Tour 2017: Sun, Sea and Safari

Come to Beautiful Tanzania & Zanzibar With Me!

Tanzania was the reason I chose Africa for my first solo backpacking trip. My love for this country only grows every time I visit.

We’ll spend 10 full days/11 nights exploring the very best of what Tanzania and Zanzibar have to offer.

Starting in Arusha, we’ll spend some time exploring the villages, waterfalls and hot springs in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, and if we’re lucky we might get to see her in all her glory!

Next it’s safari time and we’ll head to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater for the most spectacular show on earth! Over 3 days, we’ll (hopefully) get to see ‘The Big 5’ – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopard and black rhino, as well as many other animals and birds!

From here we’ll head south to Dar es Salaam before getting the ferry over to Zanzibar, ‘The Spice Island’.

We’ll explore historic Stone Town, watch the boys do capoeira on the beach and eat Zanzibar pizzas at Forodhani Gardens.

We’ll end out trip on two of Zanzibar’s most beautiful beaches – Kendwa and Jambiani. We’ll dance under the stars to reggae music at the Kendwa Rocks Full Moon Party, learn to cook Swahili style, visit the famous Rock Restaurant, SUP through the mangroves and drink cold beers on a sunset cruise! Sound great? Oh yeah! It is!

Sun, Sea, Sand, Safari, Spices….

Like my Uganda/Rwanda/DRC and Kenya trips, this won’t be a typical ‘tour’. This will be a laid-back, adventurous and fun backpacking trip, that is like an independent solo adventure, with a group of friends built in.

What I offer are experiential and culturally immersive trips but without the hassle of having to find accommodation, working out how to get from A to B and booking all your own activities.

The pace will be relaxed and there will be plenty of downtime, but I also have tons of fun activities planned. We’ll be using local transport, eating some of the best food in Tanzania and meeting local people! For this reason I’ll be keeping the numbers small so you can get a true backpacker experience.

Who is this trip for?

You’ve always wanted to travel in Africa but have no clue where to start.

You love animals and want to see them in the most spectacular setting on earth.

You love the beach and turquiose blue water.

You want an unforgettable adventure, in an absolutely amazing place, but none of your friends are interested and you don’t want to go alone.

You want to experience local culture, eat local food and meet local people.

3- day safari in the iconic Serengeti National Park and the stunning Ngorongoro Crater.

The Dar es Salaam to Stone Town ferry.

Exploring Stone Town and learning about the history of this fascinating island.

Soak up the atmosphere and try the local foods at Forodhani Gardens nightly food market.

Watching the boys do acrobatics and capoeira on the beach and jumping off the sea wall in Stone Town.

Sailing and snorkelling trip on a traditional dhow boat with a beautiful bbq lunch.

Full Moon Party at Kendwa Rocks.

Relax and unwind on the beautiful beaches of Kendwa and Jambiani.

Learning to cook Swahili style and eating some of the best food in all of Africa.

Stand up paddle boarding through the beautiful mangroves of the south east coast.

Drinks at The Rock Restaurant.

Sunset cruise in stunning Chwaka Bay.

Singing along at the Red Monkey Lodge Monday Night Jam Session.

Tanzania & Zanzibar Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Arusha

Arrive into either Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer to our accommodation for the night. Get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome meal.

Day 2: Mount Kilimanjaro

We’ll head over to Moshi to spend time in the foothills of Kilimanjaro.

We’ll hike to a beautiful waterfall, take a tour of a local village, home to the Chagga tribe and learn how to make coffee and eat a gorgeous lunch prepared by mama.

On the way back to Arusha, we’ll stop by a Maasai village to learn about their way of life and take a relaxing dip in the Kikulweta Hot Springs.

Day 3 – 4: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

We’ll spend the day driving towards the Serengeti to go on SAFARI!!!! We’ll arrive in the early afternoon and as we drive into the park, there will be plenty of opportunities to spot some wildlife! Believe me, you be singing Circle of Life all the way in!!

We’ll watch the sun go down and in the evening we’ll relax round the campfire and under the stars at our campsite.

You’ll go to sleep to the sounds of hyenas cackling and maybe even hear the odd lion roar or elephant trumpet in the distance (or possibly nearby).

The next morning we’ll be up and out early to drive across the savannah, looking for animals, who are usually very active in the morning before it gets too hot.

In the evening, we’ll head to the stunning Ngorongoro Crater. We’ll camp on the rim ready for our decent into the crater the following morning.

The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are 2 of the best places in all of Africa to see ‘The Big 5’. It’s the only place I’ve ever seen leopards or black rhino (both times I have visited). Although, it doesn’t stop there. Both of these national parks have so many more beautiful animals that you can see, including one of my favourites – the giraffe!

Day 5: Ngrorongoro Crater to Moshi

After another early start, we’ll head down into the the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact crater in the world – the views on the way in and out are incredible!

Inside is even more amazing and the animals are plentiful! You will not be disappointed by our day on safari here.

In the afternoon, we’ll head back to Moshi where we’ll freshen up (aka have a good wash and scrub off the safari dust) and have a night relaxing at our delightful little guesthouse with a cold Kilimanjaro beer. With the clouds permitting, we may even catch a glimpse of the mountain!

Day 6: Moshi to Dar es Salaam

Today is a long drive day down to Dar es Salaam on the coast. The bus journey is always eventful and a real Tanzanian travel experience!

In the evening, we’ll chill at our guest house, ready for a big day tomorrow!

Day 7: Dar es Salaam to Stone Town, Zanzibar

Today is an exciting day as we’re heading to Zanzibar – on the ferry! I once saw a pod of dolphins whilst sat on the upper deck of the ferry. I wonder if we’ll be this lucky again?

When we arrive, we’ll check into our traditional Zanzibari hotel and then grab some lunch in one of my favourite local restaurants. Fed and watered, we’ll explore Stone Town with our local guide and learn all about the history of this incredible island, stopping for coffee and a catch up at Jaws Corner.

Around sunset, we’ll head to the waterfront to see if we can see the local boys doing acrobatics and capoeira on the beach. For dinner, we’ll explore the Forodhani Gardens and pick up some local delicacies such as seafood and meat kebabs, samosas, fruit, grilled maize, sugar cane juice and Zanzibar pizzas! They’re unlike any pizzas you’ve probably tried before!

Day 8: Kendwa

Today we’ll head to the northern beaches, but not before spending the day sailing on a traditional dhow.

We’ll start in a small village on the south coast and from here we’ll sail towards Menai Bay where conservation efforts have allowed dolphins to flourish. By mid-morning we’ll arrive on a sandbank where we can snorkel and explore the reefs.

Our crew will prepare a seafood buffet for lunch – this includes lobster, fish and calamari as well as chicken and vegetarian options, followed by fresh fruit. Drinks are also included in the trip.

In the afternoon we’ll explore Kwale Island, sail on a Ngalawa canoe, explore the mangroves, climb an ancient baobab and relax on a beautiful beach before heading back to Fumba as the sun goes down.

Then it’s straight up to Kendwa!

Day 9: Kendwa

Today is a free day to relax on the beach or take part in one of the many optional activities on offer.

In the evening, it’s PARTY TIME at the Kendwa Rocks Full Moon Party! This is one of the most popular nights out on the island and we’ll be in the heart of the action!

Now, these are nearly as bonkers as the Full Moon Parties you’ll find in Haad Rin on Ko Pha Ngan (I’ve been to both) – there’s less glow paint and I don’t remember drinking out of any buckets (it’s all a bit hazy though to be fair) – but I definitely prefer this one.

The African beats are banging, the food is good and there’s always a great mix of travellers and locals enjoying the party. You’ll spend the night dancing bear foot in the sand, listening to reggae under the stars, watching leopard print clad dancers and fire twirlers doing their thing – I’ve even seen a bit of line dancing before. For those who want to chill, there’s fire pits where you can sit back, relax and watch everyone trying to twerk.

Day 10 – 11: Jambiani

There’ll be some time to recover in the morning before we head to Jambiani on the south east coast.

In the afternoon, we’ll take part in a Swahili cooking class and we’ll be able to eat the fruits of our labours afterwards!

The following day, we’ll head up the coast to go stand up paddle boarding through the mangroves. At some point in the afternoon (dependent on the tides), we’ll visit the other side of the peninsular to have a drink at The Rock and lunch or dinner at a gorgeous restaurant on the beach.

In the evening, we’ll take a sunset cruise in Chwaka Bay, the only place on the east of the island where you can see the sunset.

Then it’s back to Jambiani for the Red Monkey Lodge Monday Night Jam Session. The perfect end to our time in Tanzania.

Day 12: Depart Zanzibar

I can arrange transfer to Zanzibar airport or you can continue your Africa/Zanzibar travels from there.

Please bear in mind that the itinerary is subject to minor changes, “This is Africa”, after all. But whatever happens, I’ll endeavour to make sure you have an amazing trip!!

What’s Included?

Meals: 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners.

Accommodation: 11 nights accommodation in good quality hostels, guest houses or hotels. We will be budget camping in the Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater.

Transport: Local transport within Tanzania to and from all included excursions and between the main destinations on the tour (includes – taxi, coach, safari van, mini bus & ferry).

Activities:

Hiking to a waterfall in the foothills of Kilimanjaro.

Coffee making experience in a local Chagga village (including mama’s home cooked lunch).

Swimming and relaxing in the Kikulweta Hot Springs.

Visit to a Maasai village to learn about their unique way of life.

Safari in the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Stone Town walking tour.

Soak up the atmosphere and try the local foods at Forodhani Gardens nightly food market.

Sailing and snorkelling trip on a traditional dhow boat with a beautiful bbq lunch.

Full Moon Party at Kendwa Rocks.

Learning to cook Swahili style and eating some of the best food in all of Africa.

Stand up paddle boarding through the beautiful mangroves of the south east coast.

Sunset cruise in stunning Chwaka Bay.

Singing along at the Red Monkey Lodge Monday Night Jam Session.

What’s Not Included?

Flights to and from Tanzania/Zanzibar.

Airport transfers – however I can arrange these for you.

Tanzania visa.

Medications, anti-malarials or vaccinations.

Travel/health insurance.

Drinks & meals not mentioned.

Optional activities.

Transport for optional activities.

Tips for local guides.

Feedback from the 2016 ‘This is Kenya’ Tour

“Everything was amazing! I learned so many things!” (Oana, 25, Switzerland)

“It was an amazing trip from start to end. I loved every moment and made friends for life.” (Debbie, 34, UK)

“Africa is not always the easiest place to travel around, and after 3 months of backpacking I was all ready to give my brain a break from travel planning, so it was definitely a relief to have Helen come in and manage all that! I like her tour because it fit me – it was a small group tour, just 8 of us which is a nice number to make new friends and get to know everyone yet have our own thing, and it was a good mix of fancier stuff and indie backpacking. You just might see us on the next tours because we are all game for round 2 with Helen! Definitely a 5 star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!“ (Jac, 32, Singapore)

“I’ve a lot to thank my African adventure for, it truely did help me find myself and has given me the confidence to just go see the world. I never wanted to leave!!! You’ll have the most amazing experience!!!” (Karen, 36, UK)

“It was a great introduction into Africa travel, before I set out solo travelling. Also as I traveled solo and shared experiences in Kenya with people I was meeting, I sounded like a seasoned solo traveler thanks to you. I did not know what to expect but I think I understand Kenya pretty well now. I think you were able to portray and pass on your infectious love of Kenya to us all and I am forever grateful! Asante!” (Christina, 29, USA)